La Liga: 3rd and 4th place candidates

I don't even have to ask about who's finishing 1-2, as the gap Barcelona & Real Madrid have established in Spain has just continued to grow. 

In reality, the other 18 teams are competing for the third and fourth spots.  As many of you know, third place qualifies for the Champions League, while fourth place qualifies for the Champions League playoff.

Valencia - Valencia has finished third the last three years, but has never been close to the top two (25, 21, and 30 ponts behind, respectively.)  They showed mixed results in the Champions League, as they made a round of 16 appearance and got sent down to Europa last year (in which they reached the semifinals.)  They have brought up superstars in their system such as David Silva, David Villa, Jordi Alba and Juan Mata, and have had to get rid of to balance their checkbooks.

However, they still have a strong nucleus in Andres Guardado, Jonas, Roberto Soldado, Ever Banega, Fernando Gago, Alberto Costa, Aldi Ramo, Pable Piatti, Pablo Hernandez, and many others.


Chance of Qualifying :  85% 


Malaga -  Last year, this team somehow finished fourth, well above expectations.  In 2010, Sheikh Al Thani became the new owner, and spent, spent, spent.  However, there have been rumors stating that they may be pulling the plug on this project only two years in.

They have to make up for the loss of Santi Corzola, sold to Arsenal, and Isco will be the guy that will have to step up.  They still have a strong core that may help them do it again, but it'll take a lot.


Chance of Qualifying:  10%


Athletic Bilbao -  This team underperformed heavily (10th place) last year, but still finished only 9 points out of fourth.  They proved what they are capable of, with a Copa del Rey final, and more importantly, a Europa final, beating the likes of Lokomotiv Moscow, Manchester United, Schalke, and Sporting Lisbon en route to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of fellow countrymen Athletico Madrid.  Although Fernando Llorente is determined to leave, they still look to be in good standing for the upcoming season, and will fight for fourth.


Chance of qualifying:  40%


Sevilla - Another team that didn't do as well as they should have last year.  However, they have two Spanish-internationals (Jesus Navas, Alvardo Negredo) that have stayed for another year.  After their Euro 2012 experience, they should be coming back smarter, and more determined to have success in Spain.


Chance of qualifying:  50% 



Atletico Madrid - Victim to the overchievers (Malaga), the Europa Cup champions come back very strong, and will attack behind the likes of Falcao.  Third place is very possible, especially with a strong midfield core.  


Chance of qualifying:  65%



Predictions (Top 10):

1.  Real Madrid
2.  Barcelona
3.  Atletico Madrid
4.  Valencia
5.  Sevilla
6.  Atletic Bilbao
7.  Levante
8.  Malaga
9.  Real Betis
10.  Osasuna